Honey Lime Chicken With Avocado Rice (Printable)
Tender honey lime chicken over creamy avocado rice with fresh herbs
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
04 - 2 teaspoons lime zest
05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 garlic cloves minced
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
→ Avocado Rice
10 - 1½ cups long-grain white rice uncooked
11 - 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 2 ripe avocados diced
13 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Garnish
18 - Extra lime wedges
19 - Thinly sliced green onions
20 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a mixing bowl until well combined. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Prepare rice according to package instructions using water or chicken broth for enhanced flavor. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - In a large bowl, gently fold together cooked rice, diced avocados, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix carefully to maintain avocado texture while evenly distributing ingredients.
05 - Slice rested chicken breasts and arrange over portions of avocado rice. Garnish with fresh lime wedges, sliced green onions, and additional cilantro leaves as desired. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The honey and lime create this incredible sticky glaze that catches in all the pan juices
- Avocado rice feels fancy but takes five minutes to throw together
- Leftovers actually taste better the next day when the flavors have time to settle
02 -
- Don't marinate longer than 2 hours or the lime will start breaking down the chicken texture
- Resist the urge to stir the rice vigorously or you'll end up with green mashed potatoes
- Letting the chicken rest is non-negotiable for keeping it juicy
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding to marinade for better adhesion
- Use room temperature avocados so they blend seamlessly into warm rice